Orlando Philharmonic loosens up for Party at the Plaza

The Orlando Philharmonic is preparing to party like it never has before.

The orchestra is celebrating its acquisition of the Plaza Live by presenting its annual gala at the Bumby Avenue theater.

Just don't use the g-word.

The Phil wants to back away from the image of an overly formal sit-down meal with serious music that the word "gala" might conjure. This is a true party, says executive director David Schillhammer — the invitation even specifies casual wear, spelling out "no tie please."

In fact, Party at the Plaza multiple parties rolled into one. Different musicians performing everything from rock to opera, bluegrass to Broadway, will entertain throughout the Plaza.

By moving from room to room, "you can create your own musical experience," Schillhammer says.

The idea of the multi-genre event came from the purchase of the Plaza Live, which has its own fans who attend its touring pop and rock acts.

"We wanted to appeal to this broad base of people who support the Plaza, both the orchestra's tried and true and the Plaza's faithful," Schillhammer says. "Both can come together and celebrate the Plaza."

Headlining the event is Orlando musician Michael Andrew, who will perform with The Atomic Big Band. Partygoers will be able to tap their toes from a seat or take to the dance floor.

The entertainment starts outside the building — and demonstrates the eclectic nature of the event. The Flat Mountain Band, a bluegrass act, will perform outdoors, as will Legacy!, a Central Florida Community Arts choral group that will perform Broadway tunes.

The Philharmonic will hand out a schedule of performances, making it easier for opera lovers to find Samantha Barnes Daniel, rock-and-rollers to jam to Strange Culture, and chamber-music aficionados to hear violinist Rimma Bergeron-Langlois, the Phil's concertmaster.

Local restaurants will provide food, and a silent auction will offer prizes, including a drawing for a year's worth of tickets to either the Philharmonic or the Plaza season.

The Philharmonic has a history of high-profile fundraising events. For eight years, it participated in the Grande Masque ball, a swanky New Year's Eve celebration that raised funds for the Phil, Orlando Opera and Orlando Ballet. Later, the Phil became the first nonprofit to stage a gala at the brand-new Waldorf Astoria at Walt Disney World.

More recently, the Phil has presented an evening of music and technology, using video projections and lighting effects to augment a concert, at Full Sail University.

The orchestra purchased the Plaza for its headquarters in August. Proceeds from the party will go toward the roughly $3 million still needed for the Phil's $6 million renovation plan.

Schillhammer hopes the $95 ticket price won't deter anyone.

"It's still a little steep but it's not $250 or $500" as with more traditional galas, he says. "It's something we hope everyone can manage."

Introducing the Philharmonic fans to the Plaza regulars should be part of the fun, Schillhammer says.

"More and more, people don't pigeonhole themselves. They just say 'I like good music,'" he says. "And the best parties are when you invite eclectic groups of people and watch them mingle."

Party at the Plaza

• What: A celebration of the Plaza Live presented by the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra

• Where: Plaza Live, 425 N. Bumby Ave., Orlando

• When: 6:30-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25

• Tickets: $95 per person; $300 per couple for a VIP package that includes unlimited beer and wine